Search Results (5,139)

This study comprised two related experiments. Experiment 1 evaluated the effects of low-temperature long-time pasteurization (LTLT, 63 °C for 30 min) on selected vitamins in bovine colostrum and mature milk. Experiment 2 independently evaluated the effects of dietary β-carotene supplementation on growth performance, fecal scores, oxidative status, cortisol concentrations, and fecal microbiota in preweaning calves. In Experiment 1, colostrum and mature milk were collected from four primiparous and four multiparous Holstein cows before and after LTLT. Concentrations of vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12 were determined. In Experiment 2, 128 neonatal Holstein heifer calves were randomly assigned to a control group or a β-carotene-supplemented group (100 mg/day/calf) for 56 days. Growth performance, fecal scores, serum antioxidant indicators, cortisol concentrations, and fecal microbiota were evaluated. Colostrum contained substantially higher β-carotene concentrations than mature milk, particularly in primiparous cows (p < 0.001). LTLT reduced β-carotene concentrations by 30% in colostrum(p = 0.034) and significantly decreased vitamin B1 (p < 0.001), whereas the remaining vitamins were only minimally affected. Dietary β-carotene supplementation stabilized antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced serum malondialdehyde and cortisol concentrations (p < 0.001), decreased the occurrence of severe diarrhea (p = 0.046), increased the relative abundance of Blautia, and reduced Fusobacterium and Parabacteroides. Average daily gain did not differ between treatments (p = 0.154). Under the conditions evaluated in Experiment 1, β-carotene was the vitamin most affected by LTLT in colostrum. In the separate feeding experiment, dietary β-carotene supplementation affected several antioxidant indicators, reduced cortisol concentrations and the frequency of severe diarrhea scores, and altered fecal microbial composition, but did not affect average daily gain. Full article

Oxidative stress is a major challenge in weaned piglet production because it impairs intestinal health, nutrient utilization, and growth performance; however, the effects of dietary epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on intestinal dysfunction under oxidative stress conditions have not been fully elucidated. This study examined whether dietary EGCG supplementation could improve intestinal function in weaned pigs subjected to Diquat-induced oxidative stress. Thirty-two weaned piglets were allocated to four treatments according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement involving dietary EGCG supplementation (0 or 50 mg/kg) and exposure to saline or Diquat (50 mg/kg body weight). Diquat exposure impaired intestinal morphology and antioxidant status and altered the transcription of genes associated with epithelial barrier integrity and redox regulation. Dietary EGCG supplementation partially attenuated these alterations, as reflected by improvements in villus architecture, intestinal antioxidant indices, and the mRNA expression of barrier- and antioxidant-related genes. These findings indicate that dietary EGCG supplementation was associated with improved intestinal function in weaned pigs exposed to oxidative stress. These beneficial effects may be related, at least in part, to changes in redox status, inflammatory responses, epithelial barrier-related gene expression, and selected gut microbial populations. This study supports EGCG as a potential bioactive dietary factor for maintaining intestinal health under oxidative stress conditions. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants increasingly detected in foods, beverages, and food-contact materials, making dietary intake a relevant route of human exposure. In sports nutrition, this issue may be particularly important because athletes often have high food and fluid consumption, frequent use of packaged sports nutrition products, dietary supplements, bottled beverages, and sport-specific hydration strategies. This narrative review, supported by a structured literature search, examines dietary MP exposure and its potential relevance to gastrointestinal function, gut microbiota, oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial activity, endocrine regulation, metabolism, recovery, adaptation, and performance-related outcomes in athletes. Current evidence suggests that MPs and nanoplastics may interact with biological systems through mechanisms involving intestinal barrier disruption, microbiota alterations, inflammatory activation, oxidative damage, mitochondrial perturbation, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and metabolic dysregulation. However, most available data derive from in vitro studies, animal models, food contamination analyses, exposure-estimation studies, and indirect human biomonitoring evidence. Direct studies in athletic populations are currently lacking. Therefore, the possible implications of MP exposure on recovery, adaptation, and exercise performance should be interpreted as biologically plausible but unproven. From a practical perspective, evidence-informed strategies may include reducing avoidable plastic-related exposure while maintaining adequate hydration, energy availability, nutrient timing, supplement quality, and dietary patterns that support antioxidant defenses, inflammatory balance, gut health, and physiological resilience. Future research should prioritize standardized exposure assessment, validated biomarkers, human biomonitoring, and sport-specific studies evaluating MP exposure in relation to physiological and performance-related outcomes. Full article

Long-term storage can impair the feeding value of corn. This study evaluated whether dietary Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP) could alleviate the adverse effects of aged corn in Hu sheep. Twenty-one male Hu sheep (39.05 ± 3.55 kg) were assigned to a normal-corn diet (NC), an aged-corn diet (AC), or the AC diet supplemented with 0.5% LJP (AC+LJP; n = 7) for 70 d, including a 14-d adaptation period. Compared with NC, AC reduced average daily gain, gain-to-feed ratio, the apparent digestibility of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate and butyrate, and muscle glutathione peroxidase activity. LJP supplementation restored average daily gain, gain-to-feed ratio, and crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility to levels comparable with NC. It also increased ruminal ammonia nitrogen, microbial crude protein, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, butyrate, and isobutyrate relative to AC, while reducing muscle malondialdehyde concentration and increasing total antioxidant capacity. Dietary treatment had little effect on carcass traits, most meat-quality variables, or overall rumen bacterial diversity. In conclusion, supplementation with 0.5% LJP partially alleviated the decline in nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation associated with aged corn and improved muscle antioxidant status. These findings support the potential use of LJP as a functional feed additive to improve the utilization of aged-corn-based diets in sheep. Full article

Broccoli by-products represent an underutilized source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds with potential as functional food ingredients. This study evaluated the effect of enzymatic treatment with Viscozyme^® L on broccoli by-products and their incorporation into gluten-free (GF) sourdough breads. Three GF bread formulations were developed: a control bread (BCT), a bread enriched with untreated broccoli by-products (BBC), and a bread enriched with enzymatically treated broccoli by-products (BBE), using a commercial GF bread (COM) as reference. Nutritional composition, antioxidant activity, starch digestibility, and sensory characteristics were evaluated. The incorporation of broccoli by-products significantly improved protein, total dietary fiber, and antioxidant activity compared with COM, with all reformulated breads meeting the EU “high fiber” claim. Enzymatic treatment with Viscozyme^® L further enhanced these properties, with BBE reaching 2.66 g 100 g⁻¹ soluble dietary fiber and 13.51 µM TE g⁻¹ in FRAP, while exhibiting the highest slowly digestible starch content (20.39 g 100 g⁻¹), suggesting a potentially more favorable starch digestibility profile. Sensory evaluation confirmed that these nutritional improvements were achieved without significantly compromising consumer acceptability. Overall, Viscozyme^® L-treated broccoli by-products represent a sustainable, clean-label ingredient for nutritionally enhanced GF bakery products, supporting agri-food by-product valorization within a circular economy framework. Full article

This study investigated the potential effects of Bellamya purificata polysaccharide (BPP) supplementation in feed on Cherax quadricarinatus, aiming to elucidate its impact on immune function and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying dietary BPP concentrations (0‰, 2‰, 4‰, 6‰, and 8‰) on growth performance, histopathology, immune function, and transcriptomic profiles of C. quadricarinatus. Dietary BPP significantly increased the final body length and body weight of C. quadricarinatus. Furthermore, BPP inclusion improved the histological damage of hepatopancreatic tissues, alleviated physiological stress, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, antibacterial activity, and anti-inflammatory function, as evidenced by alterations in relevant enzyme activities and gene expression levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 957 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were predominantly enriched in GO terms and KEGG pathways associated with BPP-mediated immune regulation, such as the PPAR signaling pathway, peroxisome, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and lysosome. In addition, 14 candidate genes were identified, including Acox3, ACOX1, SCP2, and PPT1. Integrated analysis of GO, KEGG, and Short Time-Series Expression Miner (STEM) data supported the development of a mechanistic model illustrating how C. quadricarinatus modulates immune function in response to BPP supplementation. RT-qPCR validation confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the high-throughput sequencing results. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of BPP as a functional feed additive in aquaculture and provide novel insights into disease prevention strategies for the C. quadricarinatus farming industry. Full article

Background: Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a food-derived flavonoid enriched in vine tea and has been reported to possess antioxidant and metabolism-regulating properties. This study was designed to characterize the multi-level nutritional responses to dietary DHM supplementation, with emphasis on hepatic redox–inflammatory status, jejunal barrier-related phenotypes, cecal microbiota remodeling, hepatic metabolomic alterations, and homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism-related markers in mice. Methods: Forty-eight healthy mice were assigned to a basal-diet control group or diets containing 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg DHM for 4 weeks. Growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant parameters, hepatic antioxidant-related expression, hepatic inflammatory cytokines, jejunal morphology and tight junction proteins, cecal 16S rRNA profiles, hepatic metabolomics, and Hcy metabolism-related markers were assessed. Results: Dietary DHM improved serum and hepatic antioxidant status, as reflected by increased T-AOC and GSH-Px activity and decreased MDA concentrations (p < 0.05). DHM also modulated the hepatic cytokine profile, with decreased TNF-α concentration (p < 0.05) and increased IL-10 concentration (p < 0.01). DHM increased hepatic Nrf2 protein abundance, HO-1 protein abundance, and Gclc mRNA expression (p < 0.05). DHM also improved jejunal villus architecture, as indicated by increased villus height, decreased crypt depth, and an increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (p < 0.05). Jejunal Occludin and ZO-1 protein expression were increased in the DHM-treated groups (p < 0.05). Cecal microbiota analysis showed increased richness and diversity indices and altered microbial community structure. Hepatic metabolomics revealed changes involving vitamin B6 metabolism, purine metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, and α-linolenic acid metabolism. Serum Hcy levels decreased (p < 0.05), accompanied by increased hepatic BHMT and MTHFR protein abundance (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Dietary DHM supplementation improved hepatic redox status and supported a less pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in mice, accompanied by enhanced jejunal barrier-related phenotypes, cecal microbiota remodeling, hepatic metabolic alterations, and Hcy metabolism-related responses. These findings provide a multi-level nutritional evaluation of DHM and suggest its potential relevance for supporting intestinal barrier integrity and hepatic metabolic homeostasis under basal physiological conditions. Full article

Oilseed cakes (OC), generated as by-products of mechanical oil extraction, are increasingly recognized as functional feed ingredients in swine production. Besides providing protein and residual lipids, they contain bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, tocopherols, and phytosterols that may exert antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. This narrative review is based on a narrative literature search conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, covering publications from 2000 to 2026. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of OC in pig nutrition, focusing on redox balance, immune modulation, and production performance. Experimental studies indicate that rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, and other oilseed cakes can influence oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activity, contributing to protection against oxidative damage. Evidence also suggests that these by-products may affect immune responses through improvements in intestinal barrier integrity and modulation of cytokine production. Among the reviewed OC, rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, and flaxseed cakes showed the most consistent evidence of beneficial effects on antioxidant status, immune function, and production performance, particularly when included at moderate dietary levels. In contrast, the available evidence for camelina, cottonseed, Amarula, and high-fiber oilseed by-products remains limited or inconsistent. Their effects appear to depend largely on dietary inclusion level, processing method, and the presence of antinutritional factors. Excessive dietary inclusion may impair nutrient digestibility and growth performance, highlighting the importance of optimizing inclusion levels according to the specific type of OC. Overall, OC represent a promising component of sustainable pig-feeding strategies, supporting animal health and production efficiency while promoting the use of agro-industrial by-products. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of motor function, while at advanced stages it includes memory deficits and neuropsychiatric conditions. It is characterized primarily by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and reduced dopamine levels in the striatum. Accumulating evidence highlights the role of polyphenols against oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory processes, underlying key factors of PD pathogenesis. The present study used a rotenone rat model to determine the involvement of inflammatory cytokines in the basal ganglia, hippocampus, basolateral amygdala, and prefrontal cortex and to evaluate the potential of black Corinthian currant, a fruit abundant in antioxidant polyphenols, to attenuate brain inflammatory responses. Rotenone is known to trigger oxidative stress by inhibiting mitochondrial complex I and thus induce dopaminergic neurodegeneration, further amplified by inflammation. Our findings clearly demonstrated that rotenone treatment resulted in significant increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as MAO-B expression within the rat brain motor and limbic regions. Importantly, dietary supplementation with black Corinthian currant mitigated rotenone-induced overexpression of IL-1β, TNFα, and MAO-B. Moreover, double immunofluorescence suggested the microglial localization of these inflammatory markers in SNpc. Overall, our data highlight the neuroprotective potential of dietary Corinthian currant polyphenols, modulating glial-mediated neuroinflammation in a rotenone PD model. Full article

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is involved in several biological processes, including antioxidant defense, immune function, and reproductive efficiency. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of selenium supplementation in Hanwoo cows on maternal reproductive performance and physiological responses, as well as the early growth and metabolic profiles of the offspring. Hanwoo cows (n = 30) were assigned to control (no supplement), sodium selenite (SS; 0.3 ppm/head/day), and hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet; 0.3 ppm/head/day) treatment groups. Maternal reproductive performance and calf growth were examined. Cows in the OH-SeMet group had a significantly shorter postpartum interval and 4.25-fold higher conception rates than those in the control and SS groups. Plasma selenium concentrations were significantly higher in the OH-SeMet group at 3 months postpartum, with improved antioxidant status. Calves from OH-SeMet-supplemented cows had greater birth weights and higher plasma selenium, total immunoglobulin, and ghrelin concentrations. In addition, ruminal microbiota analysis revealed an increased Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio in cows supplemented with OH-SeMet. In conclusion, dietary organic selenium supplementation in Hanwoo cows improved maternal reproductive efficiency and antioxidant status and promoted early growth in their offspring. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity and related metabolic diseases arise from an interplay of lipid overload, insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2) controls malonyl-CoA production and thereby gates mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation, placing it at the intersection of lipid handling and redox-sensitive metabolic dysfunction. Dietary antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids and terpenoids are increasingly studied as modulators of these pathways, yet systematic prioritization of food-derived antioxidant compounds against defined metabolic targets remains challenging. We developed an integrated deep learning and structure-based workflow to prioritize FooDB compounds with predicted ACC2-binding potential. Methods: A curated set of 3983 ACC2 bioactivity records from ChEMBL 36 was used to train scaffold-split models, including graph neural-network and graph–Morgan fingerprint-fusion architectures. The calibrated ensemble screened 139,988 FooDB compounds; 200 candidates with predicted activity probability above 0.70 were docked against the ACC2 carboxyltransferase domain (PDB ID: 3FF6), and six prioritized complexes underwent 500 ns molecular dynamics and MM/GBSA analysis. Results: Redocking of the co-crystallized ligand reproduced the experimental pose (RMSD 1.2 Å). Although the highest-ranked screening hits were antioxidant terpenoids and alkaloids, docking-based prioritization from the top candidates selected six larger, more polar food-derived compounds, including glycosides and two nucleotide/cofactor-like conjugates, which showed docking scores from −7.47 to −6.65 kcal/mol versus −6.21 kcal/mol for the reference ligand. Glu539 emerged as a recurrent interaction hotspot. All candidates gave more favourable MM/GBSA binding free energies than the reference (ΔG = −22.52 kcal/mol), led by FDB029596 (−35.65), FDB021568 (−34.14) and FDB017807 (−33.87 kcal/mol). Conclusions: This workflow provides a reproducible framework for prioritizing food-derived compounds as candidate ACC2 binders relevant to obesity and metabolic disease, generating structurally supported hypotheses for biochemical and nutritional validation. The prioritized compounds are computational candidates only and require biochemical and cellular (experimental) validation before any ACC2-related biological relevance can be established. Full article

Oxidative stress has emerged as an important component of the complex pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where increasing evidence suggests an interaction between redox imbalance, immune activation, epithelial dysfunction, and chronic intestinal inflammation. This structured narrative review critically synthesizes current evidence regarding the biological basis of oxidative stress in IBD, with emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanisms, oxidative biomarkers, therapeutic modulation of redox pathways, and their translational relevance. Current evidence indicates that oxidative stress is associated with immune-cell activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, impairment of epithelial homeostasis, and dysregulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways. Biomarkers including nitric oxide metabolites, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, total antioxidant capacity, serum thiols, and antioxidant enzymes have demonstrated associations with inflammatory activity, while anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and dietary interventions have been reported to modulate oxidative biomarkers in selected clinical studies. However, substantial methodological heterogeneity, variability in analytical techniques, and limited prospective validation currently restrict their routine clinical application. Moreover, many mechanistic pathways have been characterized predominantly in experimental models, highlighting the need to distinguish biological plausibility from evidence supporting clinical implementation. Overall, oxidative stress represents a promising area of investigation that may contribute to a better understanding of IBD biology and support future biomarker-guided and precision medicine approaches. Nevertheless, further standardized translational and longitudinal clinical studies are required before oxidative biomarkers and redox-targeted strategies can be integrated into routine patient care. Full article

With the global ban on antibiotic growth promoters, identifying safe, effective alternatives for poultry production is urgent. Probiotics, particularly Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA), have shown promise in improving animal health and performance, but research in geese remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary BA supplementation on growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, microbiota, and transcriptome in growing Zi geese. A total of 180 50-day-old male Zi geese were randomly assigned to a control group (basal diet) or an experimental group (basal diet supplemented with 1 × 10⁸ CFU/g BA) for 40 days. Growth performance, serum immune indices, intestinal antioxidant parameters, morphology, jejunal microbiota, and transcriptomic profiles were assessed. BA supplementation significantly increased average daily gain and decreased feed-to-gain ratio (p < 0.01). Serum IgA, IgG, IgM, and IL-4 increased, while IL-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α decreased (p < 0.01). Intestinal CAT, GSH-Px, and T-AOC increased (CAT in duodenum and jejunum, p < 0.01; CAT in ileum, p < 0.05; GSH-Px in duodenum and ileum, p < 0.01; GSH-Px in jejunum, p < 0.05; T-AOC in all segments, p < 0.01), and jejunal MDA decreased (p < 0.01). Villus height and V/C ratio improved. Jejunal microbial diversity increased, with higher Proteobacteria and lower Pseudomonas and Escherichia–Shigella. Transcriptomic analysis revealed DEGs enriched in calcium signaling, cell junction, and intestinal barrier pathways. Dietary BA at 1 × 10⁸ CFU/g enhances growth, immunity, and intestinal health in Zi geese by improving gut function, remodeling microbiota, and modulating gene expression, supporting its use as a green feed additive. Full article

The study evaluated the effects of feeding strategies on growth performance, health laboratory biomarkers, and antioxidant protection of slow-growing pigs, fed finisher diets containing alternative protein sources (local and by-product), as an element of sustainable pig production. The study involved 40 fattening pigs (Pulawska native breed), fed the same grower mixture, while dietary treatment was applied during the finisher phase (90–135 kg BW). The diet in all groups was isoenergetic and isoprotein, but differing in additives. Control pigs—mixture without additives; experimental groups—feed supplemented with 3% flaxseed together with 2% dried herbs (H), or 2% dried fruit (F), or 2% herbs with dried beetroot (HB). The experimental finisher diets did not change the fattening results, carcass, and physico-chemical traits of meat quality. Summarized, the tested feeding strategies can be proposed for the production of native (local) pork with higher PUFA n-3 and dietetic added value combined with the oxidative stability of the meat, with the diet containing flaxseed together with dried herbs proving particularly effective for inhibiting the negative effects of oxidative stress in pigs (higher CAT, SOD, GSH and lower MDA, LOOH observed in blood and meat, p ≤ 0.05), and improving their immune blood indices (higher IgA, IgG, IgM, lysozyme, lower Il6 and Il8, p ≤ 0.05). Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural products derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms have long been used as nutritional supplements and are increasingly recognized for their potential role in preventing and managing human diseases. This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence on the therapeutic relevance of natural products as dietary supplements across major disease categories and to highlight their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and safety considerations. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and clinical studies focusing on natural products used as nutritional supplements in disease management. Relevant data were analyzed thematically, with emphasis on bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and evidence from preclinical and clinical research. Results: Natural products, particularly plant-derived polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotic-derived metabolites, exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects. Evidence suggests potential benefits in cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, neurodegenerative conditions, certain cancers, gastrointestinal disorders, and infectious diseases. However, clinical efficacy varies depending on compound type, dosage, and formulation. Key limitations include low bioavailability, variability in composition, and insufficient large-scale clinical trials. Safety concerns such as herb–drug interactions and lack of standardization remain significant challenges. Conclusions: Natural products as nutritional supplements represent a promising adjunct strategy in the prevention and management of various human diseases. While preclinical and early clinical evidence is encouraging, stronger clinical validation, improved standardization, and clearer regulatory frameworks are required to fully integrate these agents into evidence-based medical practice. Full article